In 2001, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) set out to build a consumer resource center located on the first floor of its flagship hospital at 345 East Superior Street in Chicago, Illinois and also provide virtual access to its resource collection through a web site. Think of the Center as a cozy bookstore where all resources are related to persons with disabilities and their families.

The LIFE Center embraces the themes of:

L earning
I nnovation
F amily
E mpowerment

Visitors are encouraged to browse through a comprehensive collection of resources that include magazines, books, and videos.... listen to music.... look at the art....read poetry.... and connect with other visitors.

Information about support groups, classes, government programs, vendors of disability-oriented products/services, and disability-specific organizations, are also included in our collection to connect you with resources that span key topics of life.

Knowledgeable staff members are available to help visitors and professionals find resource information, as well as help them use the Center's computers to find additional information on our web site.

The design of the LIFE Center evolved from a thorough Resource Needs Assessment Study that included a series of interviews and focus groups with patients, families, caregivers, staff, and volunteers. More than 200 persons expressed their opinions about information and resources that they felt would be helpful to them, to their loved loves, or to people who have disabilities. The results of this study helped guide the design and construction of the Center, the topics highlighted in our web site, and the CenterÕs services and programs.

The study also validated the need to embrace a holistic approach and provide access to information that spans the lifetime needs of persons with disabilities and their families. To this end, all Center resources are organized according to 8 topic areas:

* Medical Information & Care
* Caregiving & Equipment
* Housing & Transportation
* Education & Employment
* Support & Wellness
* Recreation & Leisure
* Finance & Law
* Inspiration & Hope

It is our hope that access to this information will assist persons with disabilities and their families in developing their capabilities to their fullest potential.